And Republic announced earlier this week that they're going to be beta-testing basically everything that Google Fi will offer that isn't currently part of Republic's service: more flexible billing for data plans, adding a second cellular provider (almost certainly T-Mobile), a new handset (the Nexus 6 is the most likely candidate), cell-to-WiFi handover. The only thing Google's promising that Republic isn't is the international service.
I've been wondering for a long time why Google hasn't just bought Republic Wireless. It's especially puzzling now that Google has made it public that their interests are exactly the same as RW's.
It would be really stupid to announce a service with tethering limitations that will almost certainly be illegal by the time the service exits beta testing. The FCC net neutrality regulations will prevent service providers from doing anything to interfere with tethering.
Thanks. For me, unlimited data for $25 with Republic vs 1GB for $30 with Fi doesn't make a big difference. But being able to tether is a differentiator.
I've been wondering for a long time why Google hasn't just bought Republic Wireless. It's especially puzzling now that Google has made it public that their interests are exactly the same as RW's.